Organisations seeking vice-regal patronage must apply to the Governor-General, with patronage normally lasting for the duration of the Governor-General’s term of office.
Organisations seeking vice-regal patronage should be at least five years old and have a solid record of achievement. They should be national in scope, with an emphasis on the interests or well-being of New Zealanders. Patronage applies to the national body, not to branches or auxiliaries.
Organisations seeking vice-regal patronage cannot be commercial ventures. They also need to be financially secure. The Governor-General will not be involved in the organisation constitutionally and cannot be involved in fund-raising.
The aims and goals of the organisation seeking patronage must align with the Government House objective - “The office of the Governor-General is strengthened as a symbol of national unity and leadership”.
All enquiries related to existing patronages or requests for patronages can be sent to patronage@govthouse.govt.nz.